Charlton Athletic 1 Queens Park Rangers 1 (5-3 on pens)
I imagine those that went tonight would have enjoyed that. I did and I was in Tampa looking at ottomans, armoires and chaise longues, from where I was checking the latest score.
Almost as many QPR fans as Addicks at The Valley tonight, so credit to them. The ones we saw on the train back from Preston were very affable although very disappointed in their first day defeat at Blackburn. I guess we are all a little intrigued to see how Mike Beale does there over there this season.
However, a nice psychological boost for us and another step forward on the journey. I liked that we had a go and Garner put a team out to win it, but the boys that came on did themselves no harm at all, and by all accounts a terrific goal by Aaron Henry to rule out a great QPR one ten minutes before.
I believe we were under a bit of pressure 2nd half as Beale switched it up, but to take the game to penalties and then dispatch all five of them is very satisfying. Credit to Wollacott also for making the all important save.
Back to more important league action on Saturday, but with a spring in our step, and with our name in the hat for Round 2.
Ben Garner: “The players are enjoying themselves and it’s well deserved. I thought we played really well. I’m really proud of the group tonight, especially the younger players that have come in and had a taste of it.”
Stats (CAFC first): Possession – 51% / 49%; Passes – 437 / 411; Accurate passes – 379 / 353; Shots (on target) – 13 (3) / 13 (2)
Chicago Addick 
We are not used to winning League Cup games so this was a pleasant surprise. A fabulous strike from Aaron Henry which should give him quite a confidence boost. We now have lots of options in midfield and as it is now apparent BG will play with one central striker I am rethinking my desire to have a like for like replacement for Washington. If the young lad comes in on loan from Palace, as suggested, that will really boost our wing options but I do believe we still ned a left footed central defender and a specialist left back.
Wollacott seems to be a real find (must not get too excited so early in the season) and BG seems to have something about him….Winning certainly helps.
We go to Sheff Wed with hope buts lets see where we are after 10 league matches….At that stage we will know if we are making progress.
Agree CA…
I was at the game and really thought that we could suffer a defeat but we dealt with QPR in a very effective way as the game progressed.
QPR fielded a strong and experienced side mashalled well by central defender Dunne.
Credit to Dobson, Clare,.Morgan and others in the squad who dominated play the more the game progressed.
Our second half performance built on the first half and there was no doubt confidence grew and we showed QPR we were gaining the upper hand.
Henry’s stunning goal stunned the 3000 visiting fans and it was typical luck that the equaliser came soon after.
We all know that penalty shoot outs are a lottery but we had the winning ticket.
The fans in the North lower did a great job and created a great atmosphere to try and match the very loud QPR fans.
So we have recently beaten two Championship teams in succession and seen our players show what we can achieve.
Good result and generally played well. But I cannot see the isolated No.9 whether it be Stockley or Leaburn being an effective striking option long term. Opposition scouts and analysts will soon take note and counteract it. What am I saying they don’t have to counteract it because it is ineffective – they can exploit it. Garner used this system in the play off for Swindon against Port Vale with Josh Davison isolated and hardly getting a kick. Stockley will win the ball in the air frequently, when back to goal, and needs a fox in the box type striker to take advantage of knock downs or a technically skilled co striker who can put him on the ball in the box. Realistically we need to score 70 plus goals to have a good season where are they coming from, with this format Stockley will be pushed to get 15 goals where are the rest coming from.
rieri, my point for months. in fact, if last season is anything to go by we need 80 goals to compete for top 6. Last season we scored 55 with Washington getting 12.
Not rocket science.